Thursday, May 23, 2013

HOUSE-SMOKED TURKEY FROM SPREADS





New to Flatiron, Spreads has a menu with twists added to common sandwiches. So instead of the same boring turkey you've always had, Spreads' house-smoked turkey has avocado, monterey jack, roasted peppers, spicy chipotle aioli and tortilla chips on a toasted ciabatta. The house-smoked turkey definitely beats any standard Oven Gold/Boar's Head deli meat, but the star of the sandwich is the tortilla chips. I don't know why I've never thought to add tortilla chips to a sandwich before, but that is about to change. The added saltiness of the chips is balanced by the pickled peppers and a spicy-but-not-too-spicy chipotle aioli that's generously slathered on the toasted ciabatta. At $9.50, the sandwich is priced just about right. I will be returning for the smoked salmon/brown sugar bacon sandwich next.


441 Park Ave S
(between 30th St & 29th St)
New YorkNY 10016
Neighborhood: Midtown East
(212) 758-5555



Thursday, April 11, 2013

FIVE SPICE GLAZED PORK BELLY - NUM PANG



Num Pang makes fantastic Cambodian-style sandwiches in three locations throughout Manhattan. I've yet to have a bad sandwich there, but the five-spiced glazed pork belly ($8.50) is definitely their best. Served on a semolina roll that mops up the contents well, the pork belly has a sweet tang due to a slice of glazed pear on top and isn't overly fatty like pork belly tends to be. Num Pang's signature chili mayo adds a nice bit of spice to the sweetness, and a generous helping of cucumber and pickled carrots give the sandwich a much-needed crunch. Just make sure to skip their blood-orange lemonade which tastes like Tang.

NUM PANG GRAND CENTRAL

140 E. 41st Street
(Btw. Lexington & 3rd Ave)
212 867-8889
numpangnyc.com

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

BAOS FROM BAOHAUS



BaoHaus is serving up authentic Taiwanese steamed buns right off Union Square. For under $4 bucks you can choose from their seven unique options plus rice bowls and fries. Each bao is served with a soft, pillowy bun that holds the contents well. The Chairman Bao is filled with braised pork belly, crushed peanuts, cilantro and Taiwanese red sugar. The pork belly is packed with flavor but not too fatty and the red sugar gives it an added sweet tang. The Haus Bao is made with beef cheek instead of pork belly that was tender, but not quite as tasty as the pork. The last bao was the Uncle Jesse, named after John Stamos' character on Full House since the actor is a vegetarian. The tofu is fried but not overly greasy and a nice way to end the meal after two meat baos. All in all, the place is great for a quick snack or a solid lunch if you order more than one. The taro fries are no slouch either.

BaoHaus
238 E. 14 St (2nd Ave)
(646) 669-8889
http://www.baohausnyc.com


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

ROAST LAMB SANDWICH FROM BALTHAZAR


A fantastic place for any meal, Balthazar in SoHo is a French brasserie that makes a terrific roasted lamb sandwich for lunch with grilled vegetables, arugula, and a harissa mayonnaise. The lamb is juicy and flavorful, but also lets the rest of the sandwich shine as well. A bevy of grilled vegetables and a tangy homemade harissa mayonnaise add a nice peppery kick. Get it with crispy shoestring fries that aren't greasy or oily at all. In addition, the restaurant boasts over 300 French wines and has a next-door bakery that's great for take out.  For a Parisian fin de siecle experience in NYC, you can't go wrong with Balthazar.

Balthazar Restaurant
80 Spring St. (b/w Broadway and Crosby)
NYC 10012
(212) 965-1414
balthazarny.com